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When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Romans 5:6
None of us want to be helpless. Other words that define helplessness are incapable, vulnerable, defenseless, or weak (to name a few).
Which of those descriptive words would you like to be known for? Which of those words would you want on your epitaph? “Here lies ‘xxx’, He was incapable in life to accomplish anything.” Pretty sure that isn’t what any of us would hope for.
We live in a world that celebrates strength. We live in a world that applauds independence. We live in a world that pities the weak.
While the Bible speaks often of God’s love and power, it seems as though His power is most accessible when we are at our weakest.
It’s hard to think that way though, isn’t it? It’s in our weak times that the voices of negativity scream the loudest. It’s in our times of vulnerability that we may tend to withdraw into a shell of protection or act out in order to defend our integrity. It’s when we feel incapable that we tend to lean on a victim mentality (If they hadn’t done that to me, things would be different)
I wonder if God sees our times of helplessness as times of waiting? When we feel helpless the natural thing to do is look for help.
We really have three options, three sources to help us in those times of helplessness. Our first ‘go to’ us usually ourselves. Society tells us to ‘look within ourselves’, to ‘follow our heart’. But God warns us that the heart is deceitful above all things.
The second option is to look to others. I don’t think I need to tell you the dangers of that! People let us down. Even within the church there are those who are users and abusers, who use religion as a weapon to destroy.
The last option is one that is the best but also the hardest and that is God. Jesus’ disciples had seen him perform miracle after miracle, but when he was in the boat sleeping they feared for their lives. Yet, at just the right time, Jesus was there as to calm the storm.
God’s timing isn’t comfortable but it’s always best. God’s timing brings success, my timing, well, let’s just say it’s caused problems.
It’s when we are helpless that he shows himself best. When you feel totally helpless, spend time with the one who has the strength , wisdom and power to see you through the storm.
The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one! Song of Songs 2:13
Each spring I notice a rather interesting activity in the north country where I live. People are out walking! Now, you may say, what’s interesting about that? Just this. As spring turns into summer the numbers dwindle, there may be a slight uptick in the fall, but most of the time the number of walkers in spring is more than any other time of year?
Why, you may ask? Because winters are long, cold and dark. But when spring comes we can smell the freshness of new life. The air is full of the aroma of flowers. The birds sing in each morning with gusto. The winter is over. The time of new life and warmth is here!
As the year wears on, the heat increases and schedules get busier, somehow we fail to find time to walk, to enjoy the season we are in, to bask in the warmth of the sun.
Song of Songs is thought to be a love poem written between two lovers, but with pictures of our relationship with Jesus. In Song of Songs 2:13 the writer implores his lover to join him in a walk of sorts. To get up and smell the roses. To enjoy the new season before them.
Each new season is filled with challenges. Each new season is filled with the unknown. But this verse urges us to see the positive in each situation. We don’t know what lies ahead, but we walk with someone who loves us, protects us and longs to see us succeed.
Enjoy the ‘walk’ of this new year. Bask in the warmth of the SON. Enjoy the intimate fellowship of one who loves you more than you can imagine.
Mike Fisk & Built with Grace 